Mercedes has been tight-lipped about the 2013 S-Class, but new details are starting to emerge about the luxury flagship.

Mercedes has been tight-lipped about the 2013 S-Class, but new details are starting to emerge about the luxury flagship.

According to AutoCar, the model will be launched late next year with a contemporary design that incorporates aluminum body panels, a wider grille, LED headlights and a more upright windscreen. Overall, the car is expected to be heavily influenced by the CLS and F800 Style / F 125! concepts.

The cabin is slated to feature higher quality materials, aluminum accents and nautical-inspired wood trim. There's also word of a next-generation COMAND system with a free-standing display.

Engine options will reportedly carryover with minor modifications for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Choices are rumored to include a 250 CDI, a S350 CDI, a S300 Bluetec hybrid and S400 Bluetec hybrid. The S500 (aka S550), S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG are also slated for a comeback.

To reduce fuel consumption, the car is expected to be equipped with an engine start/stop system, brake energy regeneration, an electro-mechanical steering system, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of handling, the S-Class is slated to feature an aluminum-intensive suspension and a Magic Ride Control system that uses cameras to monitor the road and adjust the springs / dampers to deliver optimal ride comfort.

If everything pans out, the 2013 S-Class will eventually spawn five variants: a sedan, a long-wheelbase sedan, a Pullman, a coupe and a convertible.